PROGRAM SPECIALIST 1 SOCIO-ECONOMIC PROGRAMS BI SP/ENG
Socio-Economic Programs Bi Sp/Eng
Career Family: PROGRAM SPECIALIST
Program Specialist 1 Socio-Economic Programs Bi Sp/Eng is a state title in New Jersey's competitive civil service, which means the way in is an open exam rather than a direct appointment.
On paper it calls for a master's degree, though the specification lets enough relevant experience stand in for the degree. Pay on the FY2026 schedule runs $56,253 to $81,897, and state payroll currently lists about 269 people in the title, led by Human Services.
How to apply
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Exam
This is an application to sit an exam and be placed on an eligible list for this title, not an application for a specific job. A $35 application fee applies to Non-Public-Safety announcements issued on or after 2026-02-01. There may be no current vacancy behind it, and the list it produces may not be certified for months or years.
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Exam
Open to permanent employees in the competitive division who hold a qualifying lower title in the same unit. A $35 application fee applies to Non-Public-Safety announcements issued on or after 2026-02-01. Like the open competitive exam, this places you on a list; it is not itself a job offer.
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Agency posting
Department of Human Services's employment page may require a click-through to see specific openings. Provisional appointment against a posted vacancy is how most people are actually hired into this kind of title.
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Agency posting
Department of Environmental Protection posts its own vacancies directly, often before (or instead of) any civil service exam announcement. Provisional appointment against a posted vacancy is how most people are actually hired into this kind of title.
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Agency posting
Department of Children and Families posts its own vacancies directly, often before (or instead of) any civil service exam announcement. Provisional appointment against a posted vacancy is how most people are actually hired into this kind of title.
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Agency posting
Department of Health posts its own vacancies directly, often before (or instead of) any civil service exam announcement. Provisional appointment against a posted vacancy is how most people are actually hired into this kind of title.
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Agency posting
Department of Community Affairs posts its own vacancies directly, often before (or instead of) any civil service exam announcement. Provisional appointment against a posted vacancy is how most people are actually hired into this kind of title.
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Agency posting
Department of Agriculture's employment page may require a click-through to see specific openings. Provisional appointment against a posted vacancy is how most people are actually hired into this kind of title.
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Agency posting
Department of Transportation posts its own vacancies directly, often before (or instead of) any civil service exam announcement. Provisional appointment against a posted vacancy is how most people are actually hired into this kind of title.
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Agency posting
Department of Law & Public Safety posts its own vacancies directly, often before (or instead of) any civil service exam announcement. Provisional appointment against a posted vacancy is how most people are actually hired into this kind of title.
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Agency posting
Board of Public Utilities's employment page may require a click-through to see specific openings. Provisional appointment against a posted vacancy is how most people are actually hired into this kind of title.
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Agency posting
Department of Labor and Workforce Development's employment page may require a click-through to see specific openings. Provisional appointment against a posted vacancy is how most people are actually hired into this kind of title.
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Agency posting
Department of the Treasury's employment page may require a click-through to see specific openings. Provisional appointment against a posted vacancy is how most people are actually hired into this kind of title.
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Agency posting
Department of Military and Veterans Affairs's employment page may require a click-through to see specific openings. Provisional appointment against a posted vacancy is how most people are actually hired into this kind of title.
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Agency posting
Department of State posts its own vacancies directly, often before (or instead of) any civil service exam announcement. Provisional appointment against a posted vacancy is how most people are actually hired into this kind of title.
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Agency posting
Office of Information Technology's employment page may require a click-through to see specific openings. Provisional appointment against a posted vacancy is how most people are actually hired into this kind of title.
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Agency posting
Office of the Secretary of Higher Education posts its own vacancies directly, often before (or instead of) any civil service exam announcement. Provisional appointment against a posted vacancy is how most people are actually hired into this kind of title.
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Agency posting
Department of Education posts its own vacancies directly, often before (or instead of) any civil service exam announcement. Provisional appointment against a posted vacancy is how most people are actually hired into this kind of title.
Pay ladder: Program Specialist series
- Program Specialist 1 — $58,818 – $85,742
- Program Specialist 2 — $67,312 – $98,503
- Program Specialist 3 — $84,548 – $124,366
- Program Specialist 4 — $97,100 – $143,176
Its top salary lands around the 22nd percentile of all NJ civil service titles that publish a range.
Rungs are ordered by FY2026 pay. NJ level numbers are not always sequential, so ordering follows salary rather than the title number.
Who employs this title
State payroll records show 269 people working under this title. The median actual salary is $58,818. The agencies employing the most are:
- Human Services (88)
- Environmental Protection (36)
- Children and Families (33)
- Health and Senior Services (29)
Counts from NJ YourMoney agency payroll. See statewide workforce analytics.
Official job specification
The text below is the official specification published by the New Jersey Civil Service Commission. The plain-language summary and analysis above are derived from it by NJ Civil Service Navigator.
Definition
Under the close supervision of a Program Specialist 3 or 4, Socio-Economic Programs, or other supervisory official in a State department or agency, assists in the professional, administrative and analytical work to promote the planning, operation, implementation, monitoring and/or evaluation of programs designed to meet the socio-economic needs of a specified client population, typically the elderly or low-income families, in areas such as energy, utility, or housing assistance; does related work as required.
Examples of work
Assists in the administrative, analytical and professional work to promote the planning, operation, implementation, monitoring and/or evaluation of socio-economic programs designed to meet the needs of the elderly, low income families, and/or other specified client population. Conducts research to assist in the identification of appropriate grant/funding sources. Assists in developing and preparing proposals for funding programs. Assists in the preparation of program resources to help identify needs in particular areas. Participates in the analysis of proposed or existing legislation mandating socio-economic programs and may provide recommendations for changes in such legislation. Assists in the planning, coordinating, implementation, and upgrading of existing programs, in assigned program area. Assists in conducting onsite evaluations or audits to ensure compliance with regulations and/or contract terms. Researches funding sources, assists in the preparation of grant applications, and writes proposals; may assist in the negotiation and monitoring of contracts or grants. Establishes business relationships with potential funding sources via phone call, visit, and/or letter of inquiry. Responds to requests for information regarding program activities or requirements. Gathers information on Federal, State and local codes for use in determining their applicability in socio-economic programs. Assists in the preparation of informational materials such as manuals, guides or handbooks. Prepares charts, tables, and other graphic representations needed for the planning, operation and implementation of program activities. Reviews, analyzes and prepares written materials such as letters, reports, correspondence and other documents related to the program functions. Establishes and maintains cooperative working relationships with other State and local code enforcement officials. Maintains essential records, reports and files. Will be required to learn how to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
License
Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform the essential duties of the position.
Knowledge, skills and abilities
Knowledge of the methods used to collect and analyze data. Ability to research and identify public and private funding sources. Ability to prepare proposals for funding. Ability to assist in the preparation of informational materials. Ability to assist in conducting surveys, research and field investigations. Ability to comprehend, analyze and interpret basic laws, rules, regulations, standards and policies and apply them to specific situations. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, groups and others involved in the operation of the program. Ability to prepare clear, technically sound, accurate and comprehensive reports containing findings, conclusions and recommendations. Ability to participate in conferences, meetings and other events as required. Ability to maintain essential records and files. Ability to learn how to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office or related units. Ability to read, write, speak, understand, and communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication. Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible if they can perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.
Note
The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed. SPECIAL NOTE: An incumbent in this class conducts analysis, assists in the review of program proposals, assists in evaluating and monitoring program activities, and/or prepares recommendations aimed at developing, implementing or modifying socio-economic programs. Tasks are assigned and performed according to supervisory instructions and oversight. NOTE: Appointments may be made to positions requiring bilingual skills. - Bilingual in Spanish and English SPECIAL SKILL Applicants must be able to read, write, speak, understand, or communicate in Spanish and English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position. Applicants must meet one of the following or combination of both experience and education. Thirty (30) semester hour credits are equal to one (1) year of relevant experience. Five (5) years of professional experience in planning, monitoring, coordinating, implementing, modifying and/or evaluating programs designed to meet the socio-economic needs of the elderly or low-income families. OR Possession of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university; and one (1) year of the above-mentioned professional experience. OR Possession of a master's degree from an accredited college or university in public or business administration, one of the social sciences, or other discipline appropriate to the position. "Professional experience" refers to work that is analytical, evaluative, and interpretive; requires a range of basic knowledge of the profession's concepts and practices; and is performed with the authority to act and make accurate and informed decisions.
CERTIFICATION
Appointees to positions assigned to the Weatherization Assistance Program in the Department of Community Affairs will be required to complete training and obtain the following: Certification as a Home Energy Professional Energy Auditor and Quality Control Inspector both issued by the Building Performance Institute, accredited by the United States Department of Energy (USDOE), in conformance with USDOE Weatherization Assistance Program Memorandum, 036 and USDOE Weatherization Program Notice 14-4 respectively. Training is required to be successfully completed within the time frame established by the Appointing Authority, depending upon availability by the training provider.